Effects of Unequal Distances and Handedness on Timing Patterns for Simultaneous Movements of Arms and Legs

Abstract

Abstract Previous research on the ability of people to perform simultaneous movements involving speed and accuracy showed a consistent movement pattern whenever the two limbs moved unequal distances. It was not clear whether the pattern was a function of handedness or the greater distance moved by the preferred hand. The purpose of the present experiment was to study the effect of distance and handedness on movement patterns. Five movement tasks using two simultaneous movements of arms and/or legs were used. The data indicated that for the tasks involving unequal distances the limb having the greater distance to move starts first and finishes last. Also, individual variability for contact time difference (failure to finish the two parts of the movement simultaneously) was greater than that for starting time difference (failure to start both parts together).